A BREAKFAST of toast and honey is the ideal New Year's Day hangover cure, according to the Royal Society of Chemistry.
No doubt thousands of people across the country will be reaching for the medicine cabinet in search of tablets this morning. Others may prefer more natural ways to rid themselves of a banging headache or queasy stomach. But the best bet may be the simple treat of honey on toast.
Honey, or alternatively golden syrup, provides the body with the essential sodium, potassium and fructose it needs after a good night out, say experts.
Other tips from the chemists include drinking a glass of milk before hitting the pubs and bars, although the advice will come too late for anyone who is waking up with a banging headache this morning.
Sticking to gin or vodka and tonic, pacing yourself with the occasional soft drink, and downing a pint of water before going to bed are also recommended.
Dr John Emsley, from the society, said, "The happiness comes from alcohol; the hangover comes from acetaldehyde. This is the toxic chemical into which alcohol is converted by the body and it causes a throbbing headache, nausea, and maybe even vomiting.
"The hangover disappears as the acetaldehyde is slowly converted to less toxic chemicals."
Milk slows down the absorption of alcohol, so there is less acetaldehyde for the body to deal with at any one time.